With all this in mind, I have come to a decision. I will no longer blurt out that I have dementia. I will no longer reveal the truth to people I meet. I have found that once I do that, my future in their eyes is diminished. Their level of expectations lowers immediately...and so my opportunity for challenging and creative opportunities is cut. My Pollyanna-ish attitude about my dementia is not working. I am not ashamed of having dementia. It just doesn't work for me to talk about it if I want to be assured of living the best life I can.
Except for my lack of short term memory, I appear pretty normal. What am I doing to make myself appear so normal? I take medications for early to moderate dementia. These have been helpful to me. I also exercise both my mind and body regularly. This works for me. I also have a deep faith in God. This sustains me through everything. I am keeping my blood pressure in check and working hard to bring down my blood sugar levels. My husband and I have changed our lifestyle to include fewer carbohydrates in our diet. I am looking at (and for) the joy in life... If I have ten years or more at this level of dementia, I have ten more years than many people...Who knows? Scientists may find better medications to extend that prognosis.
With all this in mind, why would I limit myself and my opportunities by confessing to people I have dementia?
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